De La Soul – ‘Cabin In The Sky’ Review: A Powerful Tribute to David Jolicoeur

An emotional journey through loss and legacy, De La Soul’s ‘Cabin In The Sky’ honors founder David Jolicoeur with heartfelt tribute and lyrical mastery.

Honoring a Legacy That Lives On

When De La Soul dropped their tenth studio album, Cabin In The Sky, it was clear this wasn’t just another record—it was a mission. The album stands as a heartfelt homage to their late founding member, David Jolicoeur, also known as Trugoy The Dove, who sadly passed away in 2023. I remember hearing MC Posdnuos’ words from earlier this year, where he shared a touching moment at Jolicoeur’s funeral: “If y’all stop, Dave stops. We’re not putting necessary pressure on you, but we would love to see y’all continue on.” That sentiment sets the tone for this album—carrying the torch forward with respect and love.

De La Soul in reflective mode, honoring their legacy.

The Weight of Silence and Time

It’s been almost a decade since their Grammy-winning 2016 album, And The Anonymous Nobody, and the silence from De La Soul was more than just a gap; it was deliberate. These legends don’t release music unless they have something profound to say. And with Cabin In The Sky, they’ve poured complex emotions—grief, memory, love—into each track, creating a deeply immersive experience that’s both personal and universal.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Hip-Hop

One of the album’s most striking features is its rich tapestry of collaborators. De La Soul brought in some of hip-hop’s biggest legends: Nas, Slick Rick, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Black Thought, and DJ Premier, all of whom are acknowledged in an extended shout-out at the start of the album. Posdnuos and Maseo lead this tribute, weaving in poetry, cinematic orchestral arrangements, and even a crisp narration by actor Giancarlo Esposito, lending the album a storybook-like quality. The message is clear: though Jolicoeur is gone, his influence remains alive and vibrant, famously captured in the line from YUHDONTSTOP, “When it’s Pos and Maseo you see, the magic will always remain three.”

Watch “Run It Back” featuring Nas, a standout track from the album.

Vulnerability and Reflection in “Different World”

For me, the highlight of the album is Different World. Featuring poet Gina Loring, this track showcases Posdnuos’ most intimate and vulnerable moments. His internal rhymes flow effortlessly as he confesses: “Hard for me to cry, ‘cause I’m thankful… steering us through right and left turns / What we earn is another angel on our side.” It’s a stunning blend of raw emotion and poetic grace that captures the delicate balance between grief and gratitude.

Beyond Nostalgia: Eyeing Today’s World

Cabin In The Sky isn’t trapped in the past, though. It’s grounded in today’s reality, lending De La Soul’s classic wisdom to modern reflections. On YUHDONTSTOP, Posdnuos comments on the state of the world with lines like, “There’s high stakes being played around the world, and it’s understandable to be rooted in the present.” He also candidly addresses their relevance in today’s hip-hop culture: “Some young ones don’t think we got that edge… Telling us ‘you a pioneer’ means you have American Pie nowhere near you.”

Tracks like A Quick 16 For Mama, featuring Killer Mike, honor maternal sacrifice, while Just How It Is explores the emotional terrain of betrayal, showing the nuanced empathy age and experience have gifted Posdnuos.

A Tribute to a Hip-Hop Pillar

At its heart, this album is a celebration of David Jolicoeur’s enduring impact—not only on De La Soul but on hip-hop itself. The surviving members reflect on his pivotal role, reminding us why De La Soul remains an essential voice in the culture. This record radiates respect, love, and the timeless magic that made Trugoy one of the genre’s true treasures.

Album Details

Cabin In The Sky album cover art.

• Record label: Mass Appeal
• Release date: November 21, 2025

De La Soul’s Cabin In The Sky is a beautifully crafted, grand-scale tribute that captures the bittersweet journey of coping with loss while celebrating a legacy that refuses to fade.

FAQ

• What makes 'Cabin In The Sky' different from previous De La Soul albums?
  This album is deeply personal, serving as a tribute to the late David Jolicoeur. It blends emotional storytelling with collaborations from hip-hop legends and poetic elements, creating a cinematic experience.
• Who are some of the featured artists on the album?
  The album features Nas, Slick Rick, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Black Thought, DJ Premier, Killer Mike, and poet Gina Loring, among others.
• Does the album focus only on grief?
  While grief is a significant theme, the album also reflects on current global issues, personal growth, and legacy, balancing reflection with hope and resilience.
• How does the album honor David Jolicoeur?
  Through heartfelt lyrics, spoken word segments, and references that emphasize his continued influence, the album keeps Jolicoeur's spirit alive within the music.
• Where can I listen to 'Cabin In The Sky'?
  The album is available on all major streaming platforms and for purchase through Mass Appeal and other music distributors.

Cherish the musical legacy of De La Soul and celebrate their journey by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a perfect way to keep the spirit of Cabin In The Sky close to your heart.